Page 9 of The Heart of Moonlight Falls

SEBASTIAN

Sebastian and James found Hazel waiting for them on the sidewalk in front of town hall. The front entrance was blocked off since the reception area had been destroyed in the fire, and a team of workers were replacing the busted glass above the doorway. Sebastian carefully stepped around the mess of cones and ladders, following James and Hazel to the back entrance.

Inside, Eleanor’s office door was open. As they entered, the mayor seemed surprised to see Hazel but didn’t comment.

She folded her hands in front of her on the desk. “How are you, Sebastian?”

“Much better, thank you.” He shifted uncomfortably as he took a seat.

“We were all very worried. I’m surprised you didn’t go to the hospital.”

Sebastian didn’t know how to respond. If he’d wanted to, he could have said he was unable to go to the hospital, meaning the secret-binding was as weak as ever. He almost wished it hadn’t worn so thin. The secret-binding would have helped him lie more convincingly, but as it was, it felt like nothing held him back from spilling Storm House’s secrets.

Eleanor eyed him closely as he failed to speak. She looked tired, and Sebastian felt bad for contributing to her stress. At last, Eleanor moved on. “How did you manage to destroy that shade-being?”

“A lightning spell with a lot of energy. I had to think of something since the fire didn’t work. It was a long shot, but, well…” His words faded.

Eleanor blinked, taking a beat to absorb Sebastian’s statement. “You have that much power?” she asked, her tone implying she didn’t believe him. Maybe she was wondering why he hadn’t done the lightning spell sooner. When Sebastian didn’t respond beyond a quick nod, she went on. “And the darkness?”

Sebastian forced himself to maintain eye contact. “I’m not really sure. It disappeared with the shade.”

Eleanor paused like she was waiting for more. Eventually, she asked, “And why didn’t you leave Moonlight Falls?”

“I didn’t have to in the end. Things were so hectic, then it was all over.”

Eleanor looked far from convinced. She turned to James and Hazel. “And you two? Why couldn’t you leave? Why not take Sebastian to the hospital when he didn’t wake up?” When no one answered right away, Eleanor stood. She leaned forward, bracing her palms on the desk. “What are you hiding? I don’t get it. I thought we were a team. I don’t see why you’re trying to make it harder for me to deal with this than it already is. I know you all have Moonlight Falls’ best interest at heart.”

“Eleanor, please,” Hazel begged, hands fisting the ends of her shirt sleeves. “This is for your own good.”

“My what?” Eleanor straightened, crossing her arms. “How? Keeping secrets isn’t protecting or helping me. It’s doing the opposite. I need to know what happened. Otherwise, the officials will never believe me. What if this happens again, and next time, they don’t send help?”

Hazel stood, facing Eleanor. “It potentially happening again is exactly why we can’t tell you anything.”

The mayor narrowed her eyes, saying slowly, “Because you couldn’t leave.” She pursed her lips like she was putting all the small pieces she’d picked up together. “You really couldn’t leave, and if it happens again, what? I suddenly won’t want to leave if I know what you’re hiding?”

Hazel turned helplessly to James and Sebastian.

“You know I’m dedicated to this town,” Eleanor went on. “I’ll do whatever it takes. All I’m asking for is your cooperation and for you to trust me.”

This situation wasn’t helping anyone. They couldn’t trap Eleanor against her will, but what if she knew the stakes? What if she accepted the risk freely?

Sebastian leaned forward in his chair. “Whatever it takes? Are you sure?”

“Yes,” Eleanor said adamantly.

Hazel sucked in a breath. “Sebastian.”

“It can be her choice.” He held Hazel’s stare, and she nodded in agreement. When Sebastian’s gaze landed on James, he nodded as well.

Sebastian turned back to Eleanor. Her expression was tight. Sebastian hoped she would decline his offer, even if he was willing to let her decide. “What if I told you explaining had a price? We aren’t acting like this because we want to.” The words came out easily. Sebastian wondered if Eleanor would even have to break what was left of the secret-binding. If she didn’t, was there a chance she wouldn’t be trapped? That felt like too much to hope for.

Eleanor returned to her chair. “What price? What do you mean?”

Sebastian braced himself. “We can’t physically leave Moonlight Falls. Learning what we know will magically trap you too.”

Eleanor’s eyes went wide. “Meaning, if there’s another attack, I won’t be able to evacuate.” She glanced at Hazel, who nodded. “Tell me,” Eleanor said without hesitation.

“Are you sure?” Hazel pressed.

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